Ingredients

2 pounds onions, peeled and chopped

2 cups garlic, peeled and chopped

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 1/2 quarts chicken stock

1 bouquet garni (parley stems, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf tied together)

2 cups stale French bread, torn in 1/2 inch pieces

1 cup half and half

Preparation

In a 4 quart heavy bottomed pan saute the onions and garlic in the butter and oil. Stir frequently over low to moderate heat until onions are a deep golden brown (about 30 minutes). Add chicken stock and bouquet garni and bring to a boil. Stir in the bread cubes and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove bouquet garni and blend. Strain through a medium strainer (add more chicken stock if soup is too thick). Add the half and half and season to taste with salt and pepper